Bushes and Briars

Through bushes and briars
I've lately made my way
All for to hear the small birds sing
And the lambs to skip and play
All for....

I overheard a female*
Her voice it rang** so clear
Long time have I*** been waiting for
The coming of my dear
Long time....

Sometimes I am weary****
And troubled in my mind
Sometimes I think I'll go to him*****
And tell to him my mind.

But if I should go to my love
My love he would say nay
If I showed to him my boldness
He'd ne'er love me again
If I showed...

Through bushes...

* or: my own true love
** or: was so clear
*** or: I have
**** or: uneasy
***** or: my love
****** or: show to him

Note: The song was overhead by Vaughan-Williams in 1905 whilst in
Essex. He persuaded the singer, a Mr. Potipher, to let him take it
down. It is supposedly the song which kindled VW's interest in folk
music and led to the modern folk revival. PA
PA